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Born in Beverly Hills, Ashley Mei Eriksen is half Chinese, half Swedish.
The daughter of two software engineers who found love in the fast-paced environment of a technology startup, Ashley's early years were marked by the departure of her biological father when she was just four. Faced with the challenges of single parenthood, her mother is Lilian Gong-Koiso, who had dreams of her own in the acting world, made a selfless choice to leave the limelight behind and ensure a stable upbringing for Ashley.
In a poignant turn of fate, Ashley found herself embraced by Thomas Koiso, her Japanese-American stepfather, a certified public accountant, through legal adoption, solidifying the bonds of family and providing her with the support needed to navigate the tumultuous waters of Hollywood.
The healing power of children's theater became Ashley's sanctuary, mending wounds left by early abandonment trauma and a speech impediment triggered by a harrowing kidnapping experience. It was in this creative haven that she discovered her love for acting and honed her skills under the mentorship of acclaimed filmmaker Bennett Jones, who cast her in her first critically acclaimed film at the tender age of five.
High school brought a new set of challenges, prompting Ashley to embark on a homeschooling journey to assist her mother in raising four siblings. Undeterred by the lack of a conventional high school experience, she balanced auditions and familial responsibilities with unwavering determination. The family's support was so profound that, before she could even drive, they would patiently wait at McDonald's while Ashley auditioned across the street.
Ashley's artistic influence extended to her sisters, Kelly and Emma Gong-Koiso, both child actors, creating a family legacy in the entertainment industry.
In her quest for a semblance of tradition, Ashley ventured into teenage beauty pageants under the Miss Universe Organization. Describing each experience as "going to prom every time," she donned crowns and sashes, using her platform to champion causes close to her heart. Crowned as Miss Los Angeles Teen, Ashley continued her advocacy by campaigning for Gavin Newsom and sharing her Asian American pageant journey at the Japanese American Museum in Little Tokyo, LA. She placed first runner-up at Miss Teen Hollywood and won Miss Teen Santa Monica.
Ashley's journey took an exciting turn with her recent role in Mindy Kaling's hit HBO Max show, "The Sex Lives of College Girls," where she portrayed the ditzy sorority girl "Ashleye." Prior credits include the Stockholm syndrome victim Charisma in Lionsgate's "Clown Fear" and the compelling Mallory in "Morbid Stories," a film anthology where she not only acted but also contributed her original story and directing skills.
Looking ahead, Ashley is set to redefine her generation by stepping into the realm of producing original stories. Her belief in the enduring power of cinema and its ability to impact society underscores her commitment to both arts and technology.
In Ashley Mei Eriksen, we find not just an actress but a trailblazer, breaking barriers, bridging cultures, and leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.
